The purpose of The Christian Working Woman is to equip and encourage Christians in the workplace to love Christ more, to live their daily lives by biblical principles, and to go to their jobs as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. For more information on our ministry go to: www.christianworkingwoman.org.

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

10 Characteristics of Foolish Behavior

The Bible
gives us a clear picture of foolish behavior and its consequences. It’s
important for us to recognize these traits in others—and in ourselves. Dealing
appropriately with people who behave foolishly requires prayer and wisdom. But
remember, that foolish person is not in your life by accident, and you can by
God’s grace respond to him or her in a Christ-like manner.

Characteristics of Foolish Behavior

1. Denying, disregarding, or rebelling
against God

The fool says in his heart “There is no God” (Psalm 14:1).2. Slandering, lying, deceiving

He who conceals his hatred has lying lips, and whoever spreads
slander is a fool (Proverbs 10:18).

3.Quick-Tempered

A fool is quick-tempered, but a wise person stays calm when
insulted (Proverbs 12:16).4.Acts Impetuously and Without
Regard for Consequences

Wise people think before they act; fools don’t and even brag about
it! (Proverbs 13:16). A wise man fears the Lord and shuns evil, but a fool is hotheaded
and reckless (Proverbs 14:16).5.Talks endlessly, brags, spouts
off frequently

A fool finds no pleasure in understanding but delights in airing
his own opinions (Proverbs 18:2).

Wise men store up knowledge, but the mouth of a fool invites ruin (Proverbs
10:14).

The mouths of fools are their ruin; their lips get them into
trouble (Proverbs 18:7 NLT).6. Refuses Advice, Accountability
and/or Discipline

A fool spurns his father’s discipline, but whoever heeds
correction shows prudence (Proverbs 15:5). A rebuke impresses a man of discernment more than a hundred lashes
a fool (Proverbs 17:10).7. Handles Money Recklessly

Of what use is money in the hand of a fool, since he has no desire
to get wisdom? (Proverbs 17:16).In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a
foolish man devours all he has (Proverbs 21:20).8.Quarrels frequently, picks
fights, is contentious

Fools get into constant quarrels; they are asking for a beating (Proverbs 18:6 NLT).A fool gives full vent to his anger, but a wise man keeps himself
under control (Proverbs 29:11).9.Lazy, Lacks Focus and Ambition

Foolish people refuse to work and almost starve (Ecclesiastes
4:5).A wise person thinks much about death, while the fool thinks only
about having a good time now (Ecclesiastes 7:4 NLT).

Fools are so exhausted by a little work that they have no strength
for even the simplest tasks (Ecclesiastes 10:15 NLT).10.Never Learns from Past Experience

As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool repeats his folly
(Proverbs 26:11).You cannot separate fools from their foolishness, even though you
grind them like grain with mortar and pestle (Proverbs 27:22 NLT).

Don’t waste your breath on fools, for they will despise the wisest
advice (Proverbs 23:9 NLT).

Principle #2 – Don’t give them honor or luxury.

It is not fitting for a fool to live in luxury – how much worse
for a slave to rule over princes! (Proverbs 19:10).

Like snow in summer or rain in harvest, honor is not fitting for a
fool (Proverbs 26:1).

Principle #3 – Don’t argue with foolish people.

Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments,
because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not
quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful (2
Tim. 2:23-24).